World Archery: India’s Rajat Chauhan shoots a historic silver

Copenhagen, Aug 1 (IANS) Rajat Chauhan created history by becoming the first Indian senior level archer to clinch an individual medal at the World Championships as he bagged a silver at the Copenhagen meet on Saturday.

Twenty-year-old Chauhan put up a tough fight but in the end went down to Stephan Hansen of Denmark in the men’s compound final – 143-147.

Chauhan, who became the first Indian compound archer to qualify for the archery World Cup final last year, fought neck and neck with the talented Dane – the reigning youth world champion – who had the home crowd rooting for him at the Christiansborgs Slotsplad.

The two players were locked 58-58 after the first two ends of six arrows, before the Indian had a poor third end to fall behind at 85-88. In contrast, Hansen seemed to grow in confidence and hit three tens in the third end while Chauhan had to be satisfied with 27.

Stung by the reverse, Chauhan upped the ante in the fourth end, picking up 10-10-10 to close the gap to two points at 115-117.

However, Hansen, who captured his fourth world championship title, was in full control in the final round as his three arrows fetched a full 30 points. In contrast, Chauhan could only score 28.

Chauhan had earlier this week breezed past Camilo Andres Cardona of Colombia in the semis 143-138 after beating Canadian Kevin Tataryn in the quarterfinals 146-143.

India are assured of another medal – at least a silver – on Sunday, as the women’s recurve team comprising Deepika Kumari, Rimil Buriuly and Laxmirani Majhi clash for the gold with Russia.

Laxmirani will again be seen in action in the bronze medal play-off opposite Korean girl Misun Choi.

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